The 22-year-old Leicester centre subsequently apologised on Twitter, but while Moore believes it was a foolish act, he insists he should be spared punishment by England's management. "My real objection is it wasn't very inventive," Moore told Talksport. "People are saying they are offended. Are they really offended, or is it more a case of Tuilagi being an absolute prat again and taking the attention away from his team-mates?

"He has been a complete and utter prat. He ought to grow up, it's as simple as that, but people saying they are offended, are they really offended? The authorities, I'm sure, will do what they should do and say: 'Manu, everyone thinks you are a two-year-old, do you really want that? Now go away and grow up please.'"

He was echoed by Matt Dawson, an England World Cup winning scrum-half, who tweeted: "Pls explain why doing bunny ears is funny on any photo. All it show is the bunny is more famous than u and u want the limelight. #insecure".

Using Twitter to express his remorse, Tuilagi had said: "Apologies for messing around on Lions photo. No offence intended. Great Day at Downing Street. Thanks to Prime Minister for hosting us."

Leicester Tigers said on Tuesday that Tuilagi would send a written apology to David Cameron for making the gesture outside Downing Street.

Their director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "It was just stupid. He's a young lad but he should know better. I've reminded him of his responsibility this morning.

"He's apologised on Twitter and will be writing personally to the Prime Minister to apologise for his behaviour and rightly so.

"Manu is in a privileged position and it is a privilege to go down to Downing Street for such a visit. He's a bit of a 'Jack the lad' but clearly you can't do that kind of thing.

"It's disappointing more than anything else. He knew he shouldn't have done it the moment he did it. He's in the glare of the media the whole time and, certainly, the Prime Minister is."

David Cameron has played down the incident, tweeting: "@Manutuilagi it was great to welcome you and the @lionsofficial team to No10. No need to apologise, I know it was just a bit of fun."